R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Thoughts on New 3-Spoke Steering Wheel

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Old Dec 6, 2003 | 07:12 PM
  #1  
davehopper's Avatar
davehopper
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From: Nashville, Tennessee
What does everyone think of the new 3-Spoke Multifuction wheel. I actually like it quite a bit more than the Sport. In my opinion is gives a much more classy look to the interier. Unfortunately, my MINI is already being built. Is that something I can request to be changed after delivery? I'm guessing it's not. Oh well,


 
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Old Dec 6, 2003 | 07:21 PM
  #2  
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pezboy
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From: Boston, MA
I don't really like it. I think someone once found out that switching from a non-multifunction wheel to a MFSW would cost upwards of $850 or something. Not really worth it.

That could be wrong, but I imagine it would be pretty expensive. I wish I had the sport wheel with those extra thumb things, but I got my car this time last year before that wheel was out.
 
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Old Dec 7, 2003 | 04:11 AM
  #3  
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CooperBeagle
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From: South Bend, Indiana
The multifunction steering wheel on my '02 MCS is SO COMFORTABLE! I love it.

When I place my left hand at the nine o'clock position, the heel of my thumb fits perfectly just inside of the ridge of the wheel. My thumb extends forward, just past the edge of the spoke. For me, it is one of the best parts of this car. It feels so good.

Should I ever trade for a newer MINI, I will be very disapointed if I can't get the same steering wheel. They can keep that 3-spoker, it's not for me.

God speed.

 
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Old Dec 7, 2003 | 04:48 AM
  #4  
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mini58
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From: New Hampshire
I really like the 3 spoke MFSW. I think it looks more sporty. I don't dislike the 2 spoke but I do prefer the 3 and that's what I'm ordering. It doesn't cost any more than the 2 spoke MFSW so it's nice to have a choice. The MINI is all about customization and personalization. I love it!
 
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Old Dec 7, 2003 | 07:18 AM
  #5  
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kenchan
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i always thought my 2 spoke wheel lacked sportiness.
but my mini's not a weekend car, plus the grip is nice so im happy
with it. if i had a choice, i would've liked the 3 spoke. if i ever
mod this car into a weekend car, i'd rid the mulit function and get
a real Momo steering wheel.

_________________
03MCS IB/Blk: 123, Aerokit, R90, 16" TK5, 6CDMP3, and more.

 
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Old Dec 9, 2003 | 10:32 PM
  #6  
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minimonkeygrrl
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From: Venice Beach, CA
i think that the buttons on the new 3 spoke wheel look like PS2 remote buttons! kinda strange!! (imho) i love the "trigger" feel of the back buttons of the sport wheel, any time that i drive any other car i automatically grope the back of the wheel!
 
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Old Dec 9, 2003 | 11:41 PM
  #7  
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ZAMIRZ
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From: La Jolla, CA
Looks like the wheel on bumper cars at disneyland and IMHO cheapens the look of the interior. The buttons also look way goofy.
 
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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 12:05 AM
  #8  
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fms
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IMHO, one spoke too many!
 
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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 03:47 AM
  #9  
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D.D.
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From: Tampa, Fla.
I really like my two spoke wheel. The grip and feel are superior to the three spoke. I think the three spoke looks kind of cartoonish......like it does not belong with the rest of the car.
 
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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 05:21 AM
  #10  
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MeanGRN
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From: Hampden, MA
Just to set the record straight, The new three spoke multi-function sport steering wheel does not cost any more that the standard multi-function sport steering wheel. I know because I ordered my new MINI S with it (it is now in production and is scheduled to be completed 12/15). IMHO I like it alot . I just looks sportier to my eyes and gives the interior a cleaner look.

Cheers,

JD

'04 MCS BRG/W, White 17" S-Lites, Cold, Premium, Sport, Ociari Body Kit, Lots of Webb Motorsports Stuff.
 
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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 12:04 PM
  #11  
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Minifly
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From: San Fran, Bay Area
Well, I wasn't sure what to think but my first reaction was that it was kinda cool. The next reaction was after I visited NAM and the other sites to find out that most seemed to dislike it. I ended up ordering the three spoke from my first reaction as I think I liked it just a bit better and didn't want to be swayed because somebody else didn't like it as much. It's really just personal taste and nothing more. I'm sure you probably ordered something else somebody didn't like but that you did, in the end that's what counts.

Just my 2.5 cents
 
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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 12:14 PM
  #12  
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countrym
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From: Tallahassee FL
Anyone have a pic of the three-spoke wheel installed on a production car? I've only seen drawings, and I'm wondering what it looks like in up close in color. :smile:
 
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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 05:06 PM
  #13  
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stereo144
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From: Texas
there you go




 
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Old Sep 5, 2005 | 06:53 PM
  #14  
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si_power
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From: chicago, IL
how much are the 3 spoke multifunction steering wheel if i wanna order from the dealer?

thanks
 
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Old Sep 5, 2005 | 09:54 PM
  #15  
Paul!'s Avatar
Paul!
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From: Augusta, GA
Originally Posted by si_power
how much are the 3 spoke multifunction steering wheel if i wanna order from the dealer?
If you really want one, and your current two-spoke is in decent condition, you can probably find someone in the area who is willing to trade. Just find a place to do the work (or if you're brave, DIY), and simply swap steering wheels!

-Paul!
 
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Old Sep 5, 2005 | 10:22 PM
  #16  
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rkw
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From: San Francisco
Originally Posted by si_power
how much are the 3 spoke multifunction steering wheel if i wanna order from the dealer?
My 2005 MINI accessories catalog lists it at $382 MSRP (p/n 32 30 6 762 458). It also lists an air bag unit at $380 (p/n 32 30 6 762 450) that I would guess must also be purchased. You should contact Classic MINI for a discounted price.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2005 | 11:45 PM
  #17  
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spurvis
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From: Cleveland Ohio USA
I love mine!

In 04 when I ordered Newt, I had the option of either the 2 or 3 spoke. I much preferred the 3 spoke as it looks more sports-car like. The 2 spoke just looked too generic. As of 05 and beyond, the 3 spoke is the only steering wheel available as the 2 spoke is no longer an option for US bound MINIs. I'm glad to have probably one of the few 04's with the 3 spoke. Of course, all this is IMO. Thanks for reading.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2005 | 12:57 AM
  #18  
si_power's Avatar
si_power
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From: chicago, IL
Originally Posted by rkw
My 2005 MINI accessories catalog lists it at $382 MSRP (p/n 32 30 6 762 458). It also lists an air bag unit at $380 (p/n 32 30 6 762 450) that I would guess must also be purchased. You should contact Classic MINI for a discounted price.
i just emailed them, thanks for the advice. i don't know if i'll be able to use my existing airbag on the 3-spoke though.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2005 | 12:13 PM
  #19  
sequence's Avatar
sequence
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From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
Imo

Glad MINI dumped the 2-spoke wheel, for it reminded me of the SW in my old Toyota PU with its tiny widdle horn buttons that SUCKED. I love the three spoke, fits better in my smallish hands, nice central horn control, and looks better too. Also HATED the MF controls on the back of the 2 spoke wheel. Blah :impatient

IMO of course; I know many of U out there love the old wheel. Whatever floats your boat, I guess. cheers Jimbo
 
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